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“House of Plastic: A Contemporary Twist on Auton Terror”

Mike Tucker’s House of Plastic, narrated by Terry Molloy, sees the Seventh Doctor and Ace confront the Autons in a fresh, contemporary setting. Rooted in modern environmental concerns and technological advancements, this story deftly modernises the classic Nestene Consciousness invasion with 3D printing and microplastics as central elements of its plot.

A Relatable Protagonist and Realistic Setting

The story opens with a beautifully crafted character study of Roger Turner, an everyman whose thoughts on the pandemic, environmental degradation, and his relationship with his granddaughter ground the narrative in a relatable, modern reality. Tucker’s detailed descriptions of the recycling centre and its operations effectively set the stage for the unfolding menace, immersing the listener in this near-future scenario.

The Autons’ Creepy Return

The Autons are brought to life in a chilling and vivid way, with their hybrid human counterparts providing a fresh angle on their invasion plans. The use of 3D printers to duplicate people adds a sinister edge, while the integration of microplastics into their schemes creates a clever parallel to real-world environmental issues. This approach ensures the story feels relevant without becoming overly preachy.

The Doctor and Ace: A Mixed Dynamic

The Seventh Doctor is portrayed as his lighter, more jolly self here, with Terry Molloy capturing his charm and eccentricity in the narration. However, Ace feels somewhat underdeveloped, with her reactions to the futuristic technology providing a few fun moments but lacking the depth that could have made her arc more compelling.

Atmosphere and Themes

Part of the story’s charm lies in its setting—modern-day London, which feels familiar yet threatening as the Autons’ plans unfold. The story cleverly plays with the contrast between Ace’s near-future perspective and the present-day listener’s familiarity with technology like 3D printers. The integration of ecological themes into the plot adds weight without detracting from the action and suspense.

📝67/100

House of Plastic updates the Auton invasion formula with contemporary relevance, making it both an exciting and thought-provoking listen. While the characterisation of Ace could have been stronger, the vivid action scenes, clever use of modern technology, and strong thematic grounding make this a standout Doctor Who audio story.